These pictures are taken approximately 10-12 miles from the explosion. In one, you can barely see the blinking light of a cell tower approx. 500 feet tall. The flames of the fire are at least 3 times the height of the tower, with a mushroom cloud of smoke another 1500 feet above the flames.

In one picture you can see the "devil" forming to the right of the main fire. This is a tornado-like protrusion caused by the force of the fire.

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An explosion at Entergy Corp. - Harrison County Power Plant erupted in the night sky in the early morning hours of Friday, May 13, 2005.

The sky is lit an eery orange and it shutters with the movement of an enormous fire. While the power plant is over 15 miles from my front porch, the glow of the fire is obvious. Emergency personnel are being awakened and put into place to do as much as they can to protect the public from any further danger.

Sheriff's officers observed the smell of noxious fumes upon arrival in the area and immediately began the process of rerouting traffic away from the danger. Vehicles are being diverted to FM 1794 on the Tatum, Panola County side and to US Hwy. 59 on the Harrison County side.

Beckville Volunteer Fire Department was called to assist with traffic control at approximately 2:15 a.m. and to be on alert for help with the fire.

Harrison County FD, Carthage VFD, Clayton VFD, Tatum VFD were all called in to bring water and all available equipment to the location.

Storm Aftermath Photos 04-01-2005

Significant thunderstorms whipped through Beckville late Thursday night leaving a path of destruction. Fortunately no lives were lost and injuries reported thus far have been minimal. Major damage done to trees and power lines left many without electricity into the early morning of Friday, April 1st. AEP was out in the community in full force restoring lines and removing debris from the storm.

Hail and straight line winds reported at 70+ mph left a visible impact on the community.

What cannot be described in these photos are the sounds and the smells. Hundreds of pine, cedar, oak, and fruit trees were ripped out of the ground or snapped into pieces in the rushing winds, releasing their pungent fragrance into the crisp clean air. It smells like Christmas!

Numerous species of wildlife were out in full force making noise about the re-arranging of their habitat. A cacophony of birds provided background music to our photo tour this morning. It's very strange to see all the trees stripped of their fresh spring leaves while the grass remains a bright, fresh green.

The class of 1974 is about to start plans for our 30 yr. reunion. Please feel free to post information here or contact Jane Robinson at pjrobinson@sfasu.edu and 936-468-2803.

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